Different Clinical Profile of Cannabis Intoxication Cases: Children Versus Adults

AIMS: This observational, descriptive, retrospective study aimed to evaluate whether cannabis exposure presents distinct clinical patterns between paediatric and adult populations. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Toxicological Information and Assistance Center of Santa Catarina (CIATox/SC), and analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 365. RESULTS: A total of 697 suspected cannabis intoxication cases were identified, including 112 paediatric and 585 adult cases. Male patients predominated (67%), and the most affected age group was 20-29 years (39.7%). Most cases were classified as mild (76.9%) and evolved favourably. In children aged 0-14 years, the most frequent clinical manifestations were drowsiness (64.2%), lethargy (19.7%) and altered level of consciousness (14.8%), indicating a clinical profile distinct from that observed in adults. Paediatric cases were mainly associated with oral ingestion and central nervous system depression, suggesting the need for prolonged observation and careful neurological monitoring. In adults, cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric manifestations were more common. Although most cases had low severity and favourable outcomes, greater severity was associated with high doses and polysubstance use. Seven deaths were recorded, all involving concomitant use of other substances, mainly cocaine. CONCLUSION: These findings support the hypothesis that cannabis intoxication presents age-dependent clinical patterns, providing relevant information for risk assessment, clinical management and decision-making in poison centre and emergency care settings.